Ben Chu
@benchu.bsky.social
Policy and analysis correspondent, BBC Verify.
https://www.benchu.co.uk/
Author of "Exile Economics: What Happens if Globalisation Fails", published May 2025
https://linktr.ee/exileeconomics
https://www.benchu.co.uk/
Author of "Exile Economics: What Happens if Globalisation Fails", published May 2025
https://linktr.ee/exileeconomics
Pinned
Ben Chu
@benchu.bsky.social
· 21d
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
UK supermarkets have doubled their profit margins on fuel sales since 2017, according to data from the Competition and Markets Authority...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
November 5, 2025 at 10:25 AM
UK supermarkets have doubled their profit margins on fuel sales since 2017, according to data from the Competition and Markets Authority...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Interesting that Rachel Reeves in her economy speech referenced public sector net debt when she said it's at £2.9 trillion/95% of GDP - her fiscal rules are targetting a different (lower) measure of the national debt called "public sector net financial liabilities".... www.gov.uk/government/s...
November 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Interesting that Rachel Reeves in her economy speech referenced public sector net debt when she said it's at £2.9 trillion/95% of GDP - her fiscal rules are targetting a different (lower) measure of the national debt called "public sector net financial liabilities".... www.gov.uk/government/s...
We're told that downgrades to official productivity growth forecasts spell tax rises in the forthcoming Budget.
But why?
My BBC online explainer 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But why?
My BBC online explainer 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Why does lower UK productivity mean tax rises are more likely?
Rachel Reeves says one of the key factors for her Budget will be the lowering of productivity forecasts.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM
We're told that downgrades to official productivity growth forecasts spell tax rises in the forthcoming Budget.
But why?
My BBC online explainer 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But why?
My BBC online explainer 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Lots of talk about new tax rises this morning in the wake of Rachel Reeves’ speech
If you want a fresh, stand back, Radio 4 series on this subject 👇
If you want a fresh, stand back, Radio 4 series on this subject 👇
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Lots of talk about new tax rises this morning in the wake of Rachel Reeves’ speech
If you want a fresh, stand back, Radio 4 series on this subject 👇
If you want a fresh, stand back, Radio 4 series on this subject 👇
ICYMI You can listen to the third and final part of my Radio 4 series on the UK's Tax Conundrum here 🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 3: The Politics - BBC Sounds
What are the politics behind tax policy?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 4:13 PM
ICYMI You can listen to the third and final part of my Radio 4 series on the UK's Tax Conundrum here 🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Listen now on Radio 4 👇 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
November 3, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Listen now on Radio 4 👇 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Coming up on BBC Radio 4 and on BBC Sounds at 11am - the third and final episode of The Tax Conundrum.
Do we - in the end - get the tax system we deserve?
Or is a better way possible?
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Do we - in the end - get the tax system we deserve?
Or is a better way possible?
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 3: The Politics
What are the politics behind tax policy?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Coming up on BBC Radio 4 and on BBC Sounds at 11am - the third and final episode of The Tax Conundrum.
Do we - in the end - get the tax system we deserve?
Or is a better way possible?
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Do we - in the end - get the tax system we deserve?
Or is a better way possible?
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Scott Bessent says China has pledged to buy 12m tonnes of US soybeans this year and a minimum of 25m tonnes a year for the next 3 years.
Are those big numbers?...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Are those big numbers?...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Bessent Says China to Buy 12 Million Tons of Soybeans This Year
China has agreed to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans this year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, providing some relief to US farmers who have anxiously awaited the resumption of exports to...
www.bloomberg.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Scott Bessent says China has pledged to buy 12m tonnes of US soybeans this year and a minimum of 25m tonnes a year for the next 3 years.
Are those big numbers?...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Are those big numbers?...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The latest Index of Multiple Deprivation for England has been released today.
My Verify colleagues have built this handy online tool to enable you to look up where your area ranks 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
My Verify colleagues have built this handy online tool to enable you to look up where your area ranks 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
England's most deprived areas named - with Jaywick topping list
Jaywick, a seaside town in Essex, has been named the most deprived area for a fourth time in a row.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 1:43 PM
The latest Index of Multiple Deprivation for England has been released today.
My Verify colleagues have built this handy online tool to enable you to look up where your area ranks 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
My Verify colleagues have built this handy online tool to enable you to look up where your area ranks 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Chu
Bet you never thought that a discussion about whether marshmallows are eaten with fingers would form part of what is the start of an interesting @benchu.bsky.social Radio 4 series “The Tax Conundrum”…but that’s what you get in Episode 1
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Bet you never thought that a discussion about whether marshmallows are eaten with fingers would form part of what is the start of an interesting @benchu.bsky.social Radio 4 series “The Tax Conundrum”…but that’s what you get in Episode 1
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Nice review of my Radio 4 series The Tax Conundrum in The Times
"I became hypnotised by the ins and outs of the tax status of marshmallows" writes @j-amesmarriott.bsky.social...
👇
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
"I became hypnotised by the ins and outs of the tax status of marshmallows" writes @j-amesmarriott.bsky.social...
👇
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
Britain’s tax system has attained magical-realist levels of zany illogic
Ben Chu’s Radio 4 documentary The Tax Conundrum doesn’t have a promising title, but I became hypnotised by the ins and outs of the tax status of marshmallows
www.thetimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Nice review of my Radio 4 series The Tax Conundrum in The Times
"I became hypnotised by the ins and outs of the tax status of marshmallows" writes @j-amesmarriott.bsky.social...
👇
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
"I became hypnotised by the ins and outs of the tax status of marshmallows" writes @j-amesmarriott.bsky.social...
👇
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
Waiting to go on Newsnight to talk about what the Trump/Xi summit means for global trade!
@bbcnewsnight.bsky.social
BBC2 /iPlayer now
@bbcnewsnight.bsky.social
BBC2 /iPlayer now
October 29, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Waiting to go on Newsnight to talk about what the Trump/Xi summit means for global trade!
@bbcnewsnight.bsky.social
BBC2 /iPlayer now
@bbcnewsnight.bsky.social
BBC2 /iPlayer now
Reposted by Ben Chu
Listen to IFS Director @helenmiller.bsky.social on the 'Tax Conundrum', a three-part series from @benchu.bsky.social on why the UK tax system has become such a mess and what difference that makes: ⬇️
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Listen to IFS Director @helenmiller.bsky.social on the 'Tax Conundrum', a three-part series from @benchu.bsky.social on why the UK tax system has become such a mess and what difference that makes: ⬇️
Reposted by Ben Chu
In case you missed Episode 2 of The Tax Conundrum on Radio 4 - where I explore what the UK could learn from other countries' tax systems - you can listen back here on BBC Sounds...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 2: The Possibilities
What can we learn about tax from other countries?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 12:17 PM
In case you missed Episode 2 of The Tax Conundrum on Radio 4 - where I explore what the UK could learn from other countries' tax systems - you can listen back here on BBC Sounds...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
In case you missed Episode 2 of The Tax Conundrum on Radio 4 - where I explore what the UK could learn from other countries' tax systems - you can listen back here on BBC Sounds...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 2: The Possibilities
What can we learn about tax from other countries?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 12:17 PM
In case you missed Episode 2 of The Tax Conundrum on Radio 4 - where I explore what the UK could learn from other countries' tax systems - you can listen back here on BBC Sounds...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🎧👇
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
October 27, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Coming up very shortly on Radio 4 - part 2 of my 3 part series on the UK tax system - The Tax Conundrum!
Part 2 looks at what the UK could learn from abroad when it comes to tax.
On Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 11am 📻
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Part 2 looks at what the UK could learn from abroad when it comes to tax.
On Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 11am 📻
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 2: The Possibilities
What can we learn about tax from other countries?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Coming up very shortly on Radio 4 - part 2 of my 3 part series on the UK tax system - The Tax Conundrum!
Part 2 looks at what the UK could learn from abroad when it comes to tax.
On Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 11am 📻
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Part 2 looks at what the UK could learn from abroad when it comes to tax.
On Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 11am 📻
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
About to speak to Paddy O’Connell on Broadcasting House on BBC Radio 4 about how much asylum seekers receive in UK state support - and how that compares to other EU countries’ systems
#BroadcastingHouse
#BroadcastingHouse
October 26, 2025 at 9:09 AM
About to speak to Paddy O’Connell on Broadcasting House on BBC Radio 4 about how much asylum seekers receive in UK state support - and how that compares to other EU countries’ systems
#BroadcastingHouse
#BroadcastingHouse
Reposted by Ben Chu
I doubt if any tax theory has age as a criterion. Surely the key word is "well-off" whether pensioners or not.
And just in case anyone thinks tax is simple, @benchu.bsky.social has a 3-part series on why it isn't. Judging by Part 1, highly recommended.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/serie...
And just in case anyone thinks tax is simple, @benchu.bsky.social has a 3-part series on why it isn't. Judging by Part 1, highly recommended.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/serie...
October 20, 2025 at 3:07 PM
I doubt if any tax theory has age as a criterion. Surely the key word is "well-off" whether pensioners or not.
And just in case anyone thinks tax is simple, @benchu.bsky.social has a 3-part series on why it isn't. Judging by Part 1, highly recommended.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/serie...
And just in case anyone thinks tax is simple, @benchu.bsky.social has a 3-part series on why it isn't. Judging by Part 1, highly recommended.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/serie...
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Starting now on BBC Radio 4 👇
Today at 11am "The Tax Conundrum" starts on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget I ask in this new 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it... 📻🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget I ask in this new 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it... 📻🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 1: The Problem
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Starting now on BBC Radio 4 👇
Pleased to see "The Tax Conundrum" is radio pick of the day in the i paper and the Daily Mail 👇
October 20, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Pleased to see "The Tax Conundrum" is radio pick of the day in the i paper and the Daily Mail 👇
Today at 11am "The Tax Conundrum" starts on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget I ask in this new 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it... 📻🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget I ask in this new 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it... 📻🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 1: The Problem
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Today at 11am "The Tax Conundrum" starts on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget I ask in this new 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it... 📻🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget I ask in this new 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it... 📻🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Tomorrow "The Tax Conundrum" starts on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget on 26 November I ask in this 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget on 26 November I ask in this 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 1: The Problem
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 19, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Tomorrow "The Tax Conundrum" starts on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget on 26 November I ask in this 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Ahead of what will be another tax raising budget on 26 November I ask in this 3 part series why we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
📣 My book “Exile Economics” is coming out in paperback in March 2026
& you can get it for 25% less than the £12.99 retail price if you pre-order through Waterstones by the end of this Friday💸
Click below and enter “OCTOBER25” at the checkout 👇
#WPreorder
www.waterstones.com/book/exile-e...
& you can get it for 25% less than the £12.99 retail price if you pre-order through Waterstones by the end of this Friday💸
Click below and enter “OCTOBER25” at the checkout 👇
#WPreorder
www.waterstones.com/book/exile-e...
Exile Economics by Ben Chu | Waterstones
Buy Exile Economics by Ben Chu from Waterstones today! Click and Collect from your local Waterstones or get FREE UK delivery on orders over £25.
www.waterstones.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:01 AM
📣 My book “Exile Economics” is coming out in paperback in March 2026
& you can get it for 25% less than the £12.99 retail price if you pre-order through Waterstones by the end of this Friday💸
Click below and enter “OCTOBER25” at the checkout 👇
#WPreorder
www.waterstones.com/book/exile-e...
& you can get it for 25% less than the £12.99 retail price if you pre-order through Waterstones by the end of this Friday💸
Click below and enter “OCTOBER25” at the checkout 👇
#WPreorder
www.waterstones.com/book/exile-e...